The world mourns the loss of the oldest known conjoined twins, Lori and George Schappell, who both passed away at the age of 62 in their Pennsylvania hometown.
Born on September 18, 1961, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Lori and George shared a rare connection, being conjoined at the skull while having separate bodies. They were linked by 30% of their brains and essential blood vessels.
Their incredible life journey came to a close on April 7 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, as noted in their obituary. The specific cause of their passing has not been revealed.
George, who lived with spina bifida, used a mobility device for assistance, while Lori facilitated their movements by pushing and guiding his rolling stool. Their form of conjoined twins is exceptionally rare, affecting only about 2% to 6% of cases of congenital twins, according to NBC Today.
In a landmark moment for their lives, George transitioned in 2007, making them the first same-sex conjoined twins to identify as different genders, as recognized by Guinness World Records. During their trip to London in 2011 to celebrate their 50th birthday, George shared insights about his journey with The Sun, stating: “I knew from a very young age that I was supposed to be a boy”.
Both Lori and George completed their education at the Hiram G. Andrews Center and later worked at Reading Hospital. Despite their physical connection, they each pursued their own passions and hobbies. George followed his love for music as a country singer, captivating audiences globally, while Lori thrived as an accomplished bowler.
Remarkably, the Schappells enjoyed an independent lifestyle since turning 24. Initially, they lived in a care facility, then transitioned to a two-bedroom apartment where they each had their own space. They highlighted the significance of privacy, emphasizing that even with their physical bond, they found ways to enjoy solitude when needed
“Would we ever separate? Absolutely not”, George stated in a 1997 documentary: “My theory is, why fix what isn’t broken?”
Lori echoed this sentiment in a 2002 interview with the Los Angeles Times, saying: “I don’t believe in separation”. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Lori and George during this challenging time.
He is the son of one of the most successful western actors of all the time. Today he is 84
Patrick John Wayne, the charismatic son of the legendary John Wayne, faced the daunting task of establishing his own identity in Hollywood while living under his father’s towering legacy. With his striking looks and natural charm, Patrick embarked on his journey to make a name for himself in the bustling world of Tinseltown.
Patrick’s first appearance was a small role in his father’s film, Rio Grande. This initial experience sparked his ambition to pursue acting seriously. Guided by family friend and acclaimed director John Ford, Patrick began to develop his skills, slowly stepping out from his father’s imposing shadow.
Patrick’s breakthrough came in the realm of science fiction. He starred in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger and The People That Time Forgot, battling mythical creatures and prehistoric monsters. These roles showcased his talent and magnetic screen presence, earning him recognition as a hero in his own right.
In addition to his film career, Patrick made a significant impact on television. He appeared in a variety of popular shows, from westerns to dramas, demonstrating his versatility and winning the admiration of audiences everywhere.
Married since 1999, Patrick’s influence extends beyond his entertainment career. He upholds the legacy of the Wayne family, shining brightly in the Hollywood firmament as a testament to their enduring spirit. He is rarely seen nowadays, so this is how he looks today: Scroll for more photos:
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